Quick No Meat Italian Pasta
A quick, flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring a rich tomato sauce and aromatic spices, perfect for a meatless, comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 large can whole tomatoes or stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, chopped fine ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, diced fine ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 6 bouillon cubes (chicken or beef) ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon powdered clove ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups spiral noodles ⓘ
- Grated cheese of your choice ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer the tomatoes, green pepper, onions, water, bouillon cubes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and powdered clove in a saucepan for an hour or more.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spiral noodles according to package directions.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the tomato mixture.
- Simmer everything together for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with grated cheese of your choice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your sauce, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer a heartier dish, you can toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. For a gluten-free version, substitute the spiral noodles with gluten-free pasta. Fresh basil or oregano can also add a nice touch of Italian flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Italian Chicken And Artichokes or can be enjoyed on its own. For added texture, consider adding toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the pasta to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick No Meat Italian Pasta contains roughly 1054 calories, with 38g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (170% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and protein (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1181mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. You'll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Simmer them down to create a sauce-like consistency before adding the other ingredients. This will give your dish a fresher taste.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply replace the bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon and omit any cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. This will keep the flavors intact while adhering to a vegan diet.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
A variety of cheeses can enhance this dish. Parmesan or mozzarella are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with provolone or a sharp cheddar for a unique flavor. Ensure the cheese is grated to melt evenly over the pasta.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).